Thiruvairanikulam Temple near Aluva in Kerala is dedicated
to Lord Shiva. But the temple is famous for a shrine of Goddess Parvati which
is open only for 12 days in a year. Thiruvairanikulam Temple ppening date in
2018 is January 1. Thiruvairanikulam temple Nadathurappu Mahothsavam
or festival ends in 2017 on January 12.

Goddess Parvati shrine is open for 12 days from Thiruvathira
Nakshatram in Dhanu Masam as per Malayalam Calendar followed in Kerala.

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati used to cook food for
Lord Shiva in the temple kitchen. No one was allowed to enter the temple during
the period. A group of Brahmins wanted to find out the secret and ventured into
the temple at not designated time.

For breaking the rule, Goddess Parvati left the temple in anger.

The Brahmins asked for her mercy and performed intense
austerities. She later relented and agreed to make her presence felt in the
sanctum sanctorum for 12 days.

Today, the 12-day period attracts thousands of devotees to
the temple.